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State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) is the frontrunner to fill her father’s aldermanic seat, mayoral aides disclosed Friday, as legendary Chicago Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) prepared to close out his storied City Council career.

City Hall sources said the elder Mell, 75, has informed Mayor Rahm Emanuel that the June 26 or early July City Council meeting will be his last.

On the final day of the legislative session, sources said Deb Mell tearfully confided to her Springfield colleagues that she would not be around for a vote on gay marriage.

It happened after an equally emotional state Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) announced to a House chamber filled with gay and lesbian couples prepared to witness history that he would not call the bill because he didn’t have the votes.

Deb Mell is a chief proponent of gay marriage who announced her engagement to her partner on the floor of the Illinois House.

She did not return repeated phone calls, but sent a text message: “I’m in Alaska. Sorry can’t chat now.” Richard Mell offered a terse “no comment” when asked whether the June 26 City Council meeting would be his last. More…